Assembly for supporting at least one power tool

ABSTRACT

An adjustable support assembly for at least one power tool for moveable and stationary assembly for engagement with a ladder in which the ladder has two parallel rails with a width therebetween, each such rail having an upper, lower and outer portion. The adjustable support assembly has a platform for moveable engagement with the ladder, a slideable assembly for movement upon the platform, and an engagement device for engagement of at least one power tool on the platform. The platform is expandable through an interconnected structure between the sides of the platform to accommodate varying widths of the ladder. The width of the ladder is between 12 and 18 inches, and preferably 13 and ¾ inches. A clamp or screwable engagement is also provided to affix the assembly to the ladder at a determined location for use of the power tools. The engagement device has a plurality of wheels for movement upon the each of the upper, lower and outer portions of the rails. The engagement device also includes a platform having at least two opposing sides, one of said sides affixed to the platform, and the other affixed to the at least one power tool, preferably screwably mounted. A multiplicity of tools are also provided for sequential operations upon a piece of wood, plastic or other material to simplify and improve the speed of the process of manufacturing.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of power tools and more particularly to portable adjustable devices that safely and securely and support at least one power tool at a height appropriate for use by, in this case, incorporating material and/or equipment commonly found at a worksite (e.g. ladders, saw horses, etc.) rather than traditional stands or tables while providing for a multiplicity of sequential operations and accuracy and convenience associated therewith.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention relates to a device used to secure and support power tools, and more particularly concerns a slidably mounted adjustable portable power tool support assembly which fits directly on material commonly found at a work site, such as a ladder, scaffold, etc.

Power tools such as a table saw or drill press ordinarily incorporate various types of devices to raise the tool to a height suitable for use built-in to the tool itself, such as a table. Such power tools are typically quite expensive relative to those tools sold without such devices.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,886,836 to Wise shows a mobile saw stand which essentially combines a hand truck with a power saw to improve the portability of said power saw, as well as to provide a mechanism to adjust height. U.S. Pat. No. 6,942,229 to Brazell, et al., provides for a foldable stand which is affixed directly to table power tools to allow the user to bring the power tool to a height suitable for use.

Also known in the art are devices which are themselves a platform for use with a power tool, yet fail to incorporate material commonly found at a work site in the creation of the work surface. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,279 to Stecker, Sr. shows a foldable table saw stand. U.S. Pat. No. 4,955,941 to Rousseau provides for a foldable table suitable to support a bench saw. U.S. Pat. No. 4,106,381 to Kreitz provides for a foldable extension for extending the work surface of a table saw. U.S. Pat. No. 6,672,348 to Ransom, et. al., shows a portable saw table for supporting a portable saw. U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,053 to Robison shows a work surface mounted on a frame adapted to support power tools. U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,597 to Calcote shows an adjustable surface to support portable power tools during use. U.S. Pat. No. 6,240,987 to Birkeland provides for a foldable table for supporting power tools, designed to increase portability. U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,318 to Underwood shows a foldable power tool support, also designed to increase portability. U.S. Pat. No. 6,899,306 to Huang shows a collapsible adjustable power tool support.

It is thus an object of the instant invention to provide an assembly which can safely secure and support at least one power tool at a height appropriate for use by, in this case, incorporating material and/or equipment commonly found at a work site (e.g., ladders, saw horses, etc.) rather than through use of separate stands or tables, and without permanently affixing the assembly to the tools themselves.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a device which can be used in tangent with an identical device to support multiple power tools which can then be used for simultaneous and accurate cutting, drilling, etc. thereby obviating the need to move the target object or the multiple power tools, and seek realignment to avoid inaccurate cuts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The various features of novelty which characterize the present invention are expressly and unambiguously delineated in the claims annexed to and forming part of the disclosure. For a better understanding of the present invention, its practical advantages, and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.

The power tool support of the present invention is adjustable to fit a number of materials and/or equipment ordinarily used in association with power tools and/or in fields where power tools are ordinarily used such as carpentry, masonry, etc. The prior art teaches away from the instant invention in that it provides either for work surfaces affixed directly to a power tool or for work surfaces which fail to incorporate material and/or equipment commonly found at a worksite (e.g. ladders, saw horses, etc.) in the creation of said work surface. As a result, the instant invention will obviate the need for a user of power tools to purchase or transport a separate table for use as a work station, or to purchase power tools with a work surface already attached. For practicality, the instant invention can be used in combination with various materials already found at a work site.

The power tool support assembly of the present invention is adjustable to fit any ladder (standard equipment typically found at a work site), eliminating the need for transporting extraneous equipment to the work site.

The power tool support assembly of the present invention can be made of light weight, yet sturdy, materials.

In particular, an adjustable support assembly for at least one power tool for moveable and stationary assembly for engagement with a ladder in which the ladder has two parallel rails with a width therebetween, each such rail having an upper, lower and outer portion. The rails are used in novel manner such that the platform can move upon them, and also support a multiplicity of organized tools to improve action upon the work surface and manufacturing. The ladder is generally available for all those skilled in the art, and thus has a new and useful utility, without the need for bringing another support mechanism. The apparatus herein does not change the functionality of the ladder when not used in the manner indicated herein. In other words, when the tools are removed, the ladder will work in normal fashion.

Likewise, the ladder is supported generally by normal saw horses when the workman is in the field. When used in a shop, the ladder can be mounted upon a surface and used in the manner described herein.

A key is the combination of an adjustable support assembly that has a platform for moveable engagement with the ladder upon the rails, a slideable assembly for movement upon the platform, and an engagement device for engagement of at least one power tool on the platform. The platform is expandable through an interconnected structure between the sides of the platform to accommodate varying widths of the ladder.

The width of the ladder is between 12 and 18 inches, and preferably 13 and ¾ inches. Thus, the width of the platform conforms therewith.

A clamp or screwable engagement is also provided to affix the assembly to the ladder at a determined location for use of the power tools.

The engagement device has a plurality of wheels for movement upon the each of the upper, lower and outer portions of the rails. The engagement device also includes a platform having at least two opposing sides, one of said sides affixed to the platform, and the other affixed to the at least one power tool, preferably screwably mounted.

A multiplicity of tools are also provided for sequential operations upon a piece of wood, plastic or other material to simplify and improve the speed of the process of manufacturing.

Other features will become apparent from reading the disclosure and claims of the instant invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 is a perspective environmental view of a power tool support assembly secured to an ordinary ladder and having a rotary power saw mounted thereon in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention;

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded isometric perspective view of a power tool support assembly as shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention;

FIG. 3 is an end view of a power tool support assembly as shown in FIG. 1 secured to an ordinary ladder in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention;

FIG. 4 shows a prior art device dissimilar to that of the instant invention, presented for comparison with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention;

FIG. 5 is an end view of an alternative embodiment of the power tool support assembly as shown in FIG. 1 atop an ordinary ladder depicting, in an exploded manner, with moving means to move said power tool support assembly along the support structure, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of an alternative embodiment of the power tool support assembly as shown in FIG. 1 depicting, in an exploded manner, clamping means to secure the power tool support assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective, exploded view of the base portion of the power tool support assembly as shown in FIG. 1 depicting the variable width of the assembled device to accommodate a multiplicity of ladders of varying widths (despite general industry commonality) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective environmental view of two power tools supported on the assembly as shown in FIG. 1 secured to an ordinary ladder in parallel, each having a rotary power saw mounted thereon in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective environmental view of the power tool support assembly as shown in FIG. 1 secured to an ordinary ladder and having a drill mounted thereupon, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention is directed to an adjustable portable power tool support assembly 2 with base 3. As shown and described hereinbelow, base 3, typically comprised of a single piece of hollow aluminum, steel or other material, is generally rectangularly cuboidal, with either a platform having an upper and lower planar surface and planar connections therebetween (as shown in greater detail hereinbelow), in which the width of said base 3 is adjustable to conform with the typical dimensions of ladder 16. In particular ladder 26 has both an inside and outside railing wherein the outside railing is generally of size 16 to 20 inches, typically 16¼ inches and the inside railing is generally of 13¾ inches. The instant invention comprises inside railing of between 12 and 18 inches, preferably the typical dimension of 13¾ inches.

Ladder 26, as shown in FIG. 1, while comprising on outer portion 29 has inner portion 27 riding therebetween, such that the ladder can be extended to various lengths depending upon usage in accordance with the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. The instant invention utilizes the structure of ladder 26 such that assembly 2 is placed upon inner portion 28 of inner railing 27 in a manner that permits movement, attachment and use as more fully described hereinbelow.

Ladder 26, as shown in FIG. 1, is supported by normal saw horses 34 which are generally available to one of ordinary skill in the art, and are placed in a manner to provide support to ladder 26 and assembly 2 thereupon.

Further as shown in FIG. 1, base 3 contains a plurality of upper rollers 14 on opposite lateral ends which rest atop upper portion 28 of inner railing 27 of ladder 26 for moveability thereupon. Upper rollers 14 rotate about threaded roller axle 15 allowing the user to move adjustable portable power tool support assembly 2 along ladder railing 28, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 1.

In order to attach base 3 and prevent its further movement along upper portion 28 of ladder 26, base 3, as shown in FIG. 1, base unit 33 of power tool 32 is shown and is screwably mounted via screws 25 through base unit 33, through mounting bracket 22 and into base 3 for secure attachment.

Also shown in FIG. 2 is at least one clamp assembly 18 used to securely fasten adjustable portable power tool support assembly 2 to upper portion 28 of ladder 26 to support power tool 32 and to prevent adjustable portable power tool support assembly 2 from moving along ladder railing 27, especially in use but also in assembly. The particular clam assembly 18, in this embodiment shown in FIG. 1, is comprised of a springable clamp, although other attachment means are described hereinbelow.

Thus, it can be observed in FIG. 1 that, for example, standard ladder 26 is used in a novel manner as a support for at least one tool 32 via inner ladder portion 27 which rests upon outer portion 29 and is supported by normal saw horses 34. The assembly, as shown, comprises rollers 14 for movement as well as clamping means 18 for securing against the inner ladder portion 27 when the proper location is achieved. Thus it can be observed that a working material, like wood beam 54 can be placed upon upper rail to engage tool 32 in its normal state with accuracy. In this manner, the worker no longer must place tool 32 on a bench or other work surface, ensure that it is rigidly mounted and that cuts made to beams like beam 54 are accurate and that no slippage occurs. It is thus an object of the invention to simplify set up and use of power tools while incorporating already present and utilized equipment that one of ordinary skill in the industry would have in accompaniment with virtually any job.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of assembly 2 and the various components thereof. In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, adjustable portable power tool support assembly 2 also comprises mounting bracket 22 which also attaches to the bottom portion of power tool 32 and which acts to secure a power tool, such as rotary power saw 32 as shown in FIG. 1, to base 3. Threaded fasteners 25 secures bracket 22 to base 3 and mounting bracket 22, thereby safely securing the object power tool.

In FIG. 2, a partially exploded isometric perspective view of adjustable portable power tool support assembly 2 is shown with mounting bracket 22 separated from base 3, not having a power tool therebetween as with FIG. 1, to show the various features thereof.

FIG. 2 shows an adjustable version of base 3, comprising small extendable base bracket 4A which extends from portion 4 to portion 6 thereby rendering the entire length a solid structure. As shown in FIG. 7, pins 8 connect through apertures 12 and 10 to facilitate solidity. Base 3 contain a plurality of threaded cylindrical abscesses 20 to receive screws 25 through apertures 24 in mounting bracket 22 and thread into receiving threads 20 in base 3 to provide structural assembly. To secure a power tool using adjustable portable power tool support assembly 2, the user first engages assembly 2 by placing base 3 upon the inner ladder railing 28 and then engages mounting bracket 22 via screws 25. Once this is complete, the user then places a power tool atop the upper planar portion of base 3, and attaches that tool at any location desired. Thus, it can be observed by one of ordinary skill in the art that mounting bracket 22 can be comprised of a multiplicity of materials that can be drilled for mounting one or more power tools, like tool 32 (see FIG. 1), thereupon. Once the location along inner ladder railing 27 is determined, clamp assembly 18 is engaged such that the assembly 2 can no longer traverse along inner ladder railing 27 and is, instead, rigidly engaged for use of the power tool selected.

FIG. 2 further shows a plurality of upper rollers 14 which are connected to base 3 through a plurality of threaded roller axles 15 which are threaded into the threaded cylindrical abscesses 21 of base 3. Upper rollers 14 rotate about threaded roller axle 15 to move adjustable portable power tool support assembly 2 to the desired location along inner ladder railing 27 of ladder 26. The user threads threaded roller axle 15 into threaded cylindrical abscesses 21 of base 3 for both rigidity and, if desired, sizing, dependent upon the width of inner ladder railing 27 along inner ladder railing surface 31. Preferably the width is determined using various extensions 4A of extendable base bracket 4.

Also shown in FIG. 2 is a plurality of lower rollers 16 which are connected to based 3 through a plurality of threaded roller axles 17 which are threaded into the threaded cylindrical abscesses (not shown) on the underside of base 3. Lower rollers 16 rotate about threaded roller axle 17 to move adjustable portable power tool support assembly 2 to the desired location along the chosen material, in this case ordinary ladder 26. The addition of lower rollers 16 enables assembly 2 to be additionally structurally supported and moved, as shown in greater detail in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 shows an end view of adjustable portable power tool support assembly 2 secured to ladder 26. Lower rollers 16 connect to base 3 (in this case, the combination of extendable base bracket 4 and extendable base bracket 6 via extension 4A) through a plurality of threaded roller axles 17 which are threaded into the threaded cylindrical abscesses (shown in FIG. 2) on the underside of base 3 (in this case, the combination of small extendable base bracket 4 and large extendable base bracket 6).

When adjustable portable power tool support assembly 2 is attached to an ordinary ladder 26, as shown in FIG. 3, lower rollers 16 are intentionally designed to seat flush against ladder railing 27 thereby facilitating movement along said ordinary ladder 26 as well as providing additional support and stability.

FIG. 4 shows a heretofore utilized device wherein a separate unit is required to provide some sort of cantilevered structure for a power tool which shows that rigidity, nor use of a ladder and its structural support are not involved, nor normal saw horses, leaving the unit hopelessly geared for a single power tool in an unstable format.

Shown in FIG. 5 is an end view of an alternative embodiment of adjustable portable power tool support assembly 2 atop ladder 26 depicting, in an exploded manner, moving and mounting means which serves to move and mount adjustable portable power tool support assembly 2 along the inner ladder railing 28 of ladder 26. The alternative embodiment of adjustable portable power tool support assembly 2 as shown in FIG. 5 shows upper rollers assemblies 36 attached via bracket 36A to base bracket 4 and 6 respectively (connected via phantom view of extension 4A). The combination of elements shown in FIG. 5 permits movement of assembly 2 to a desired location along ladder 26, while providing rigidity such that upon placement and use of one or more power tools, the device remains stable. Thus, the results of assemblage shown in FIG. 3 are achieved via assemblage shown in FIG. 5 via a different arrangement of rollers, as shown.

In FIG. 6 shows an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of springable clamp assembly 18 as shown in FIG. 1. In particular, knob 42 engages a screwable element 46 which passes through a screw receiving recess in bracket 40 which attaches via trapezoidal bracket 44 to base assembly 3. Thus it can be observed that when 42 is turned and 46 extended, platen 48 is pressed against inner surface 31 of inner railing 27 to provide attachment.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective, exploded view of base 3 of adjustable portable power tool support assembly 2 depicting the variable width of device 2, when assembled to accommodate the ranges of widths of differing ladders. When extension 4A of base bracket 4 is inserted into the end of base bracket 6 the width of adjustable portable power tool support assembly 2 decreases inversely. Bracket pin 8 is inserted through aperture 12 and one of apertures 10 to enable the device to be assembled to prevent base bracket 4 from separating from brack 6. As can be seen, a plurality of apertures 10 and 12 are provided thereby accommodating different sizes for the assembly to accommodate different sizes of the ladder (used as support structure).

Shown in FIG. 8 is a perspective environmental view of two adjustable portable power tool support assemblies 2 secured to ordinary ladder 26 in parallel, each having a rotary power saw 32 mounted thereon. As demonstrated in FIG. 2, securing two adjustable portable power tool support assemblies 2 to an ordinary ladder 26 or other material in parallel allows for simultaneous multiple cuts of piece of lumber 54 at varying angles, thereby increasing efficiency. The same elements have the same numbers and function in the same manner. The difference, however, is that once a multiplicity of devices 32 are integrated via the assemblage herein, it is easier to make more accurate cuts. Indeed, wood 54 can be moved rapidly from one region to the next, and armatures for devices 32 manipulated to create more exactly cuts to occur, while minimizing the time otherwise necessary to readjust or reposition multiple devices and the wood (or other material) 54 for cutting, drilling and other like kind actions.

In order to show the full facility of the inventive device herein, FIG. 9 reveals the use of power drill 52. All other elements are the same as in the other drawings. In the instance, spacer 56 is shown to support wood (or other material) 54 so that 54 can be moved rapidly and spaces between drill holes quickly established. It should be appreciate by one of ordinary skill in the art that a multiplicity of devices can be employed in tandem, such that drilling, cutting, and the like actions can occur sequentially without the need to set up each individual piece of equipment. Thus, for example, if a large job requires a multiplicity of different actions, the within invention can be set by once and all such actions sequentially occurring on a plurality of materials 54 in rapid and exacting fashion.

It should be further appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that while an essentially rectilinear, cubicular base assembly 3 is shown, a circular, semi-circular, elliptical or other configuration may be utilized without deviation from the letter, spirit or claims of the invention herein.

While there have shown, described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is the invention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto. 

1. An adjustable support assembly for at least one power tool for moveable and stationary assembly for engagement with a ladder in which the ladder has two parallel rails with a width therebetween, each such rail having an upper, lower and outer portion, comprising: (a) platform mean for moveable engagement with the ladder; (b) slideable means for moveable of said platform; (c) engagement means for engagement of said at least one power tool with said platform means.
 2. The platform of claim 1, wherein said platform means comprises expansion means.
 3. The platform of claim 2, wherein said platform means comprises a series of interconnected side elements, wherein at least two of said side elements have, therewithin, an expansion means for expanding said side elements to accommodate the width.
 4. The platform of claim 1, wherein said width is between 12 and 18 inches.
 5. The platform of claim 1, wherein with is 13 and ¾ inches.
 6. The platform of claim 1, wherein said platform means comprises clamping means to accommodate the stationary status assembly.
 7. The platform of claim 1, wherein said platform means comprises screwable elements to accommodate the stationary status assembly.
 8. The platform of claim 1, wherein said engagement means comprises mounting said at least one a plurality of wheels for movement upon the upper portions of the rails.
 9. The platform of claim 1, wherein said slideable means comprises a plurality of wheels for movement upon the lower portions of the rails.
 10. The platform of claim 1, wherein said slideable means comprises a plurality of wheels for movement upon the outer portions of the rails.
 11. The platform of claim 1, wherein said engagement means comprises a platform having at least two opposing sides, one of said sides affixed to the platform means, and the other of said sides affixed to the at least one power tool.
 12. The platform of claim 1, wherein said platform is screwably mounted to said platform means.
 13. The platform of claim 1, wherein said at least one power tool is screwably mounted to said platform.
 14. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one power tool comprises a multiplicity of power tools for sequential use. 